Dangers Of Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   sleep apnea: if you have it, how are you being treated?
   i was just diagnosed with sa and am going to fitted out with a breathing device to wear. would appreciate personal experience. i already know what the dangers of sleep apnea are.

   • ANSWER:
     My husband has a C-Pap machine and it helps him loads. It will take a little getting use to but the benefits are worth it. He found through trial and error that he is most comfortable if the machine is above the bed (on the headboard). It allows the tube to move more freely when he goes from one side to the other and since he likes to sleep on his stomach it allows for some of that also. Keep the mask part clean or it will develop an odor and good luck and good health. I hope this helps a little.

2. QUESTION:
   I have sleep apnea. Is there a danger of stopping breathing during surgery?

   • ANSWER:
     No, absolutely not.. If your surgery planned under general anesthesia then during surgery you are not sleeping you are anaesthetised and you are breathing through a ventilator and its the job of anaesthetist to ensure your safety (just dont worrry about it).
     Best wishes

3. QUESTION:
   Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy BiPAP machine and pulse/oximeter pulse dropping low 40s during sleep. Danger?
   Stepson has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and Congestive Heart Failure. He has a Pacemaker/Defribulator and has recently been put on a BiPAP machine for sleep apnea. He also has been put on a oximeter/pulse meter during sleep. His pulse after about an hour and a half of sleep drops to the low 40's and pulse meter starts alarming. What is a dangerous pulse rate for someone with his medical conditions?
   His pulse is dropping to the low 40s. His oxygen level is staying in the upper 90s.

   • ANSWER:
     Most individuals drop into the 40s heart rate during sleep. Since this person has a pacemaker / defibrillator then even a theoretical risk would not exist. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you and your family the very best of health and happiness and in all things may God bless. JR

4. QUESTION:
   i am really scared to sleep cause of sleep apnea?
   i hear sleep apnea can be dangerous and i am a GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) sufferer, a heard it is a very small chance it can kill you during your sleep with it's symptoms of pausing breath, but i hear your brain wakes you up to alert you from danger and to get your breath back, is that true?, but i don't get that problem during the night waking up gasping for breath but i don't know if i snore loudly but i seem to be really worried about this and it is giving me lack of sleep thinking if i do have it or not

   • ANSWER:
     If you are really worried about it, talk to your doctor about having a sleep study done. From what you are saying though, it doesn't sound like you have sleep apnea. I have a friend who just had a sleep study done, he had snored EXTREMELY loudly for years and woke up gasping for breath several times each night. The study showed that he held his breath for up to 90 seconds at a time, and the oxygen levels to his brain were around 75%. But they just put him on a sleep machine which keeps oxygen flowing. They never said he was in danger of dying, it's just not good to go without oxygen. I realize that your disorder probably contributes to your anxiety about this, but I don't think you have sleep apnea. If you really would like some peace of mind, though, have a sleep study done, and they will tell you whether you hold your breath and have sleep apnea or not. If you do, they will help you treat it. In the meantime, though, don't be afraid to sleep, because you will not die.

5. QUESTION:
   Sleep apnea project abstract-which one?
   My partner and I are disagreeing about the wording for our abstract. Would someone rewrite it using both or just give your opinion on which one i should use?

   OPTION 1

   Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; those who do suffer from Sleep Apnea, are prone to suffer from excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was designed to inform those suffering, or those who know someone suffering from Sleep Apnea.
   Data was extracted from many reliable sources, along with a live interview. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population has probably already been exposed to Sleep Apnea without knowing it. There are few cases that have negative repercussions that may be life threatening, and require a doctor's assistance.
   The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that you should begin a healthy diet to help reduce Sleep Apnia, some healthy measure you can take are: Avoid alcohol and sedatives, some medications are designed to keep the patient breathing overnight. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms.
   More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be depriving them of sleep and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

   OPTION 2

   Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; all of these people are in danger for side effects such as excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was created to inform people about this condition so they can help themselves or family members that may be suffering.

   Data was extracted from many reliable sites, pamphlets, books, and from a live interview with sleep expert. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population needs to be informed about this condition because there can be life-threatening repercussions that require being treated by a doctor.

   The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that people with sleep apnea should lose a reasonable amount of weight in healthy ways, avoid alcohol and sedatives, can use medication to stimulate the brain to keep the patient breathing throughout the entire night. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery could be needed to relieve the symptoms.

   More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be what's causing their sleep deprivation and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

   • ANSWER:
     Either are fine but you have some incorrect information. I would clarify that you are discussing obstructive sleep apnea and not central. With that being the case, there is no medication to treat it. I would also clarify who the sleep expert is. Is at an RPSGT, RRT or a board certified physician in sleep medicine. Surgery is not the answer for severe cases unless you are talking about a tracheotomy. Any other surgery is less than 50 percent effective and that is only if they know exactly where the obstruction is and if you are discussing central sleep apnea, surgery will not work. The only recommended treatment for CSA is BiPapST. It is like a ventilator but only with a mask. If you are looking at the second option, 2nd paragraph last sentence I would changed treated by a doctor to requires to be diagnosed and given proper treatment. I hope you realize that OTC measure do not work they only mask the symptoms. Algoll and sedatives only make it worse. Avoiding them will not eliminate a person from having OSA. People who are thin and children can also have sleep apnea. Weight loss will help but OSA should be treated in the meantime with CPAP, autopap, or bipap. Standard Bipap is generally only used for people with high pressures or people who retain CO2.

     Please email me.

6. QUESTION:
   Sleep apnea and pregnancy?
   I'm currently 38+ weeks pregnant. Last night, while I was *trying* to sleep, I woke myself several times gasping for air. I guess I had stopped breathing. I also have a bit of congestion from a cold I had last week, so I'm not sure what to attribute it to.
   I'm not too concerned, I know this can be a bad condition, but I'm not on any narcotics or anything that would prevent me from waking myself up, so I really see myself in no danger now.
   I see my OB on Monday, and plan on asking him about this, but in the meantime - has anyone experienced sleep apnea during pregnancy? Is it a fairly common side effect late in pregnancy?

   • ANSWER:
     I dont know if what i have would be classified as "apnea" but it is SOOOO hard for me to breath, and i wake up feeling like i have no air, gasping. I think my problem is the baby hasnt fully dropped yet, so shes just sitting on my lungs. I have propped several pillows up, and i lay on my back with a huge incline now, just so i can sleep a few hours at a time. If your baby hasnt dropped either, that could be the reason.
     Its scary and annoying!!

7. QUESTION:
   Have you tried a CPAP machine for Sleep Apnea?
   I had a sleep study a week ago and found out that I have moderate sleep apnea. So last night I had another sleep study to find out what pressure I need to use on the cpap machine to fix my sleep apnea.
   It was HORRIBLE!
   They used the one that just goes in/under your nose. They said they used the lowest pressure possible.
   It felt like a really strong flow of wind was forcing it's way into my nose/throat all night, and I had to use a lot of effort and muscle to exhale. It was exhausting and scary. It felt like I was being pumped up like a balloon and was going to suffocate.
   It also made me swallow a lot of air so I as burping and felt like I was going to throw up.
   I don't have any idea how long I actually slept. But I do know that I kept waking up in a panic feeling like someone was smothering me.
   The tech kept tell me it was just a mental thing and I had to make a mental decision to not panic.
   Yes the feeling like I was going to suffocate was a mental thing. I know that I wasn't in any real danger.
   But I don't think that I imagined the pain and pressure on/in my nose, throat. And the strain I was putting on my lungs and torso trying to force exhale against the air flow.
   Also, I'm only ever able to breathe out of one nostril at a time (just a generally congested person I guess, cuz it switches from one nostril to the other every day or so)
   So the air flow was all going into my left nostril, which is currently stinging and throbbing in pain.
   They ended up having to give me an ambien at like 3am or something to help me actually get to sleep.

   Ugh..... it was seriously the worst night I've ever had.

   What was/is your experience? Am I just overly sensitive? Did the tech/doc possibly not use the right equipment/ pressure? Should I even bother trying to get the doctor to prescribe me one?

   OH and they didn't offer any choice of sizes for the nose piece. I didn't know there were different sizes till just now when I've been researching it.

   • ANSWER:
     no, I haven't, but my former boyfriend, another friend and my brother all use them and they make a huge difference. The one guy I saw used to be really pale--cyanotic; meaning he was really not getting enough oxygen into his system.

     The first morning I saw him after he had used the CPAP he was actually PINK for the first time I ever saw. I'm a nurse who used to work on a cardiac floor and I notice these kinds of things. I was amazed! I had not realized just how cyanotic he had been until he showed up that morning so full of red blood in his system!

     So, they really do work. It sounds like you just need to get the right fit. Good luck!

8. QUESTION:
   Would this be an effective way to combat Food Abuse?
   Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

   When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

   Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

   The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

   Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

   Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

   The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

   Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

   Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

   Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

   Obesity destroys lives.

   Obesity is a KILLER!
   Facade: We could use the same ID we use for tracking our cold medicine purchases: Our Driver's License. There would be no need for any more beauracracy. The same people who track cold-medicine purchases could monitor food purchases. The whole system is automated anyway.

   The technology and personnel are already available . . . and in place.
   Missy: you don't care if people harm themselves, and possibly, you, due to their destructive behaviors?
   Moomy of 5: If you'll re-read my post, you will see that I say obesity results in SLEEP APNEA. The sleep apnea then contributes to narcolepsy. Read more carefully. Thanks.
   Parent:

   http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html

   "Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty,"

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/narcolepsy/detail_narcolepsy.htm#139533201

   "Infections, exposure to toxins, dietary factors, stress, hormonal changes such as those occurring during puberty or menopause, and alterations in a person's sleep schedule are just a few of the many factors that may exert direct or indirect effects on the brain . . . "

   Yeah. I think YOU need to get it right, before YOU spout off. Ya know what I'm sayin'? I think ya do.

   • ANSWER:
     it just almost makes sense. However I think the major flaw in your presentation is "Protect people from themselves" The motorcycle analogy is a good try to. Given all the starving people in the world, I would rather put a limit on food waste. Maybe some censor in peoples trash cans. I have to say the logistics of your rationing would be incredibly hard to do. It would take an entirely new gov't department and ID cards for everyone. For the sake of argument it's debatable, but people of all political parties would object to the cose and invasion of privacy. It's almost Puritanical, what to do with all the other guilty pleasures e.g. alcohol, cigarettes, every recreational sport has risks and environmental consequences. Last of all is most obesity is a life choice, I think excessive TV destroys more brains cells than obesity. Many hold that opinion. I'm sitting here on Yahoo not excercising and being mostly silly. You can't dictate morals on this subject.

9. QUESTION:
   Would this be a good way to combat Food Abuse?
   Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

   When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

   Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

   The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

   Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

   Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

   The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

   Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

   Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

   Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

   Obesity destroys lives.

   Obesity is a KILLER!
   ocean scoop: You want people to have the choice to kill themselves? Are you one of those potheads who wants to legalize marijuana? Are you one of those people who talks about "individual responsibility", and thinks people shouldn't have to wear a motorcycle helmet?
   Republic: You sound like another pothead who wants to legalize marijuana. Without laws to protect them from themselves, people WILL harm themselves. You know this is true.

   • ANSWER:
     I'm not sure if this is sarcastic or if it is real.
     If you are serious, it is a terrible idea. People have every right to eat what they want and get fat. Let them become obese. It's their body, not ours.

10. QUESTION:
    Would this be a good method of combating Food Abuse?
    Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

    When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

    Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

    The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

    Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

    Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

    The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

    Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) which can be brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep almost exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

    Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

    Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

    Obesity destroys lives.

    Obesity is a KILLER!
    truthsee: I'm gathering lots of answers. Did you have one?

    • ANSWER:
      WHy did you just repost this question?....didnt get the answers you wanted earlier?

11. QUESTION:
    Would this be a good way to reduce Food Abuse?
    Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

    When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

    Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

    The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

    Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

    Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

    The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

    Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

    Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

    Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

    Obesity destroys lives.

    Obesity is a KILLER!
    Kara: WHY are illegal drugs, illegal? They weren't always illegal, were they? Wasn't there a time BEFORE they were illegal? Didn't they only BECOME illegal? WHY did they become illegal?

    • ANSWER:

12. QUESTION:
    Would this be an effective way to prevent Food Abuse?
    Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

    When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

    Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

    The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

    Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

    Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

    The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

    Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

    Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

    Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

    Obesity destroys lives.

    Obesity is a KILLER!
    Terrel: I wasn't aware that the USSR or WWII Germany had helmet laws or seat belt laws. Thanks for the info.

    • ANSWER:
      Good Lord! You would have fit right in the Third Reich or the USSR.

13. QUESTION:
    Question for those of you who smoke with your baby(ies) in the car?
    Do you think your crack in the window is helping get rid of all your cigarette smoke? Or do you realize that you are placing your child in danger of developing serious illnesses such as asthma and heart problems?

    Why is this always such an argument? Would you not be worried if your 3 year old started smoking? Why are you doing this to your children?

    PS This question is based off my anger for my cousin who has a son who developed severe asthma at 6 months, snoring and sleep apnea at 1 and is now dying in Childrens Hospital Pgh because she did this to him.

    • ANSWER:
      cracking the window DOES NOT get rid of the smoke. even if it did, why would you put yourself in the position to danger yourself and shorten your own life? DO NOT SMOKE WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. it is bad bad bad.

14. QUESTION:
    Nasal Septoplasty, under a local???
    Im in desprate need of a nasal septoplasty, but I keep flaking out because Im so scared of going under a "general." I have sleep apnea, and Ive read the possible dangers of going under a "general" with sleep apnea. (In a nut shell, ive spooked myself out!) I also read that many doctors will do this procedure, under a "local", but yet I havent found one yet. Can anybody help out or give me any advice. FYI- I live in Las Vegas. Thanks a million!!!!

    • ANSWER:
      OH NO..you do not want to do this under a local, I promise you!! Going under a general will be safe, remember that not only do you have your surgeon, he has his techs and nurses in the Operating Room with him...then there's the Anesthesiologist, who is also a Doctor that has specialized in Anesthesiology, and he also has his assistants! You'll be perfectly safe ... the Anesthesiologist will be well informed of ANY health issues before your surgery and will anesthetize you accordingly...not only will he be aware of pre-existing health problems, he will be with you prior to surgery watching your vitals, etc. You'll be just fine and won't regret going under with a general rather than doing this with a local...Remaining awake for this type of surgery could prove traumatic for you, and your surgeon is going to need you asleep and unaware not even blinking an eye as he'll be working rather close to the frontal lobe of yout brain, therefore, I might question a surgeon willing to do this with you being awake...Best Wishes to You and a Speedy Recovery (--_--)

15. QUESTION:
    How do I tell my husband that he needs to lose 35 lbs! And, do something about his overall appearance.?
    We met and married when we were in our twenties. He was athletic looking, more energetic and had a lot of sexual stamina. He has become the proverbial content cow. We are now in our forties. I've maintained my weight of 116 lbs. (I'm 5'5"), NO wrinkles (yet) and I get my hair beautifully highlighted every 5 months. I get hit on by other men all the time. I'm not attracted to him anymore and he just doesn't seem to care at all about his appearance. My friends tell me I could have done better when it came to picking a husband, but he's an academic (very brainy) and I thought it was cool back then to become the wife of so & so.

    I'm in the medical field and I've warned him time and again the dangers of being out of shape. The extra weight has made his sleep apnea worse, which he totally shrugs off as inconsequential. He's not the jealous type so I can't threaten to leave him for someone healthier looking. I'm not completely hung up on appearances, but it does count for many of us, especially if we want to continue looking desirable for our partner. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      I looked over some of the answers U have received and they are not too comforting are they. I am a much older woman than U R and I totally understand what U R up against. Have U tried putting him on a diet? There are some really good ones out there just for MEN. U choose. Now I strongly suggest that U stop trying to assist him to be healthier if he still resists UR suggestions. Go on with UR life and exactly as U have been doing. Accept all invitations... go to the newest shows, go out to diner, meet with UR friends whenever U can. Make a new life for yourself, as it is obvious to me that U do not want to leave UR husband (for whatever reason(s),financially or socially)Men of great wisdom are often eccentric & set in their ways. Behind every great man is a greater woman, which I believe U R. So my advice to U is to get on with UR LIFE, do what makes U happy, as I believe UR husband is already happy in his own world. Good Luck and go out and enjoy URself.

16. QUESTION:
    Re-occurring dream help?
    It's 3am and I'm scared to go back to sleep. This is the second time I've had this dream in the past week, and the only dream I've had all week. I don't remember my dreams usually, but I've woken up crying, sweaty and panicked twice from this dream.

    The details vary, but the gyst is I'm in space on a big ship having a great and majestic time, when suddenly something catastrophic happens, and the air begins to run out (panel crack, recyclers break). There's not much time left, and nothing anyone can do to fix it, so all of us on this ship are going to die, and I find myself appreciating every moment I've had with loved ones in my final moments in space. Everyone stays alone and does their own thing, but are compassionate if they're approached (it's a semi lucid dream, if that's possible). Just before it becomes too tough to breathe anymore I wake up in a mess.

    Now, I can't link any common details that might be influencing this horrifying dream. The first time, I was sleeping alone, the second time, my girlfriend was over. I had a great and successful day both times (all week). I'm 19 and very physically active (gym 4 times a week) with well balanced meals, didn't eat before bed. Didn't have any alcohol or anything tonight. I don't have diagnosed sleep apnea, but I don't think I'm physically choking for air in my sleep. And nothing in life has changed recently, I just started school for Carpentry/Construction (there's risks here, maybe the dangers here are making me feel unsafe in my dreams?)

    I'm not sure what help I'm looking for, maybe factors that could be causing this nightmare, thoughts, help, whatever, related stories - doesn't matter, ways to make it stop in the future? I'm scared to go back to sleep like I said, it's just that real to me (however real space can be, but the realization of my mortality is too real for comfort). Thanks in advance - Jesse B.
    There's never any people I know in these dreams, only familiar faces. Just people I've seen throughout my daily routine, the receptionist from the gym, someone in my class, and the odd other acquaintance. Everyone close to me is safe and sound back where there's plenty of air. I also have no way to contact them in my final moments in space.
    There's never any people I know in these dreams, only familiar faces. Just people I've seen throughout my daily routine, the receptionist from the gym, someone in my class, and the odd other acquaintance. Everyone close to me is safe and sound back where there's plenty of air. I also have no way to contact them in my final moments in space.

    • ANSWER:
      Nightmares commonly stem from unresolved issues/worries/problems. Logically, solving these problems would cure the nightmares. Maybe the change of starting your new carpentry school is making you feel anxious. You might be suppressing feelings of fear/stress. Resolving these is the best thing to do. Talk about it, write about it, do something that relaxes you. However, sometimes that's not so easy to figure it out. If you still can't figure out what you're feeling, you should try meditating. That helps a lot, and relaxes you. Also, if your circulation is being cut off in your sleep, that can result in nightmares, so try and avoid any uncomfortable sleeping positions. Good luck :]

17. QUESTION:
    What do I do , I have no where to turn and I dont want to go awol , But I am NOT flying on Jan3rd to IRAQ!?
    I have SEVERE SLEEP APNEA and have been using thismachine for 2 years, its not doing anything form e and causes me to stay up at night. I drink to sleep and smoke alot more than I have, I deployed to afghanistan once and Korea. Now pending an iraqi tour reguardless of my health and Moral beliefes on this war and my religeon. My battallion CSM and BC are not honoring my health issues or mental issues. Ive gone to IG , JAG, the CHAPLAIN, OMBUDSMAN, and am getting zero assistance or help on my issues, I am pushing for MEB before Jan 3rd so that I can get locked in the states, I am also Going the PTSD route... undergoing appointmens next week to see where I stand but ultimatly the decision is up to my chain of command, Now I have used open door policy twice to my BC and CSM at battalion level and my DIVISION csm said to try open door policy on my battalion csm LOL I am getting now where. I cannot deploy in my mental state, nor medical state NOR to my faiths and beliefs... I did terrible things as a young soldiers in afghanistan, I am now a SGT and in for 4 years...

    I am done with the military and seeking help, I just wrote my state congressman ( CLINTON ) ( NY ) hoping this helps... but i dont know where to turn I am being threatened by my BC and CSM that they will "Burn my spirit down, Crush me and my career and do anything they can to FUCK me" I have been yelled at showing no disrespect to them but they continue to try to break my compsure... i dont wake up for work on time anymore and having problems adjusting, i cant be in anymore and im tired of being treated like crap. I am an 11 BRAVO ( INFANTRY MAN)

    They also threatened that if i dont get on the plan jan 3rd that I will be sent to courtmarshall and they will put as many articles as they can on me even if i havent done it, and have me sent to levensworth...

    My life is in danger right now so is my health and moral values...

    I need help...
    You should see what we do with your tax money overseas.... ignorant eyes dont see what we see and do out there...
    So your saying its okay for a soldier a man a person to have his life put out there for no reason at risk and other people at risk around me... and treat me unfairly...? just because its the military...?

    No i dont fall for that, I use my brain they dont...
    I wonder if people are looking at what i wrote or reading it, My medical issues are all legit and documented nothing is MADE UP, and have been doing this before the iraq deployment, and as a young dumb private, we did alot of stupid things, ex: looking for buried double stacked IED's that are detonated with pressure plates and strips under the powder dirt in afgghanistan without a medal detector with your platoon leader and CO in the humvee and me and 4 other soldiers on point on the road... explain that? But yea i was the "good" soldier and followed my orders like a high speed dumb ass, or is that what the army wants more of these days, people that say wait a second or yes sir/sgt. I am a successful NCO and more MAN than a soldier. And I like to use my head. Why do I have to wait until i loose and arm leg or die to be a true soldier? some things are avoidable? that the problem these days , everyone is blinded and brainwashed, and me as an NCO realises that. I am no less of a man.
    Its bullshit if im just saying it but everything is on paper, and legit. so there is no bullshit flag, they are trying to fill numbers and I heard them say this with there own words, I dont hate the military am am just a realist. and I like my life and health. so why wait till somethin stupid happens

    • ANSWER:
      I don't believe your sleep machine will be allowed in the brig, but it will be allowed in Iraq.....It's to late to if your congressman won't help, you have to be a good soldier and go........As far as religion is concerned, the are many warriors God was behind in the bible.....good luck!

18. QUESTION:
    Have you had a baby with IUGR?
    My beautiful daughter was delivered at 36 weeks because she had stopped growing. She was 3 pounds 11.9 ounces. She was symmetrical, and other than the small size, she is perfectly healthy. She spent 10 days in the NICU mostly because of the sleep apnea that many preemies have.
    Well, I'm terrified of the SIDS thing. I read that low birth weight babies are at a high risk. She just hit 2 months old, so I know that we are officially in the danger zone. Especially with the cold months. I'm just looking for some success stories, just to ease my nerves a little.

    • ANSWER:

19. QUESTION:
    Why do I have all these sleeping problems?
    For years now I've been a horrible sleeper: I've woken up with my blankets and pillows thrown across the room, woken up on the opposite end of the bed from the one I fell asleep on, gone to sleep on the couch and woken up in bed, gone to sleep with a sleep mask and earplugs on/in and found them thrown across the room, even woken up without pants on. I've woken up with random thoughts running through my head and very frequently have trouble waking up because I think my waking environment is a dream. Every night I hear random voices of family members and stuff before I go to sleep; it's actually pretty handy as an indicator of whether or not I'll be able to fall asleep soon, it's very dreamlike. I've woken up having difficulty breathing - not necessarily gasping for air as with apnea, but with my lungs HURTING when I tried to breathe, for like 45 min after I woke up. Unsurprisingly I often find myself waking up at random hours of the night. Rarely I'll have very foggy memories of going to turn on a lightswitch and finding it's already on, stuff like that, which I'm pretty sure is evidence of sleepwalking. Roommates have told me that after I've fallen asleep and before I wake up I will thrash and flail around wildly, beating my pillow and stuff like that.

    The other night I recalled a dream in which I lay in bed, in the dark, trying and trying to scream but being unable to, while there wasn't any imminent danger except possibly a face looming out of the darkness which I may have imagined just as an excuse as to why I was so terrified. It lasted a little while, and then I went into a dream where I "woke up" from it and said "Wow, that was odd." However I don't think the terror was a dream as 1) I never dream about lying in my own bed in the dark, and 2) I don't really have dreams about dreaming. I wonder if I might have been paralyzed since I could not manage to make a sound. It seems my sleep is going downhill and I'm not sure what to do about it.

    • ANSWER:
      WOW tough problem you are a very wild sleeper. Well im going to say Drink some chamomile Tea before bed It relaxes and Calms ya down. And play Very soft music i especially like Peace of Mind. Relaxation For Women. And only you can control how exactly you sleep. I used to be a wild sleeper to but i just learned to stay still.

20. QUESTION:
    Would this be a good way to combat Food Abuse?
    Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

    When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

    Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

    The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

    Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

    Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

    The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

    Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) which can be brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep almost exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

    Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

    Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

    Obesity destroys lives.

    Obesity is a KILLER!
    Those of you who are against protecting people from themselves, are sounding like the potheads who want to legalize marijuana. Next, you'll want to use steroids or something, I suppose?
    KellyS: Thes Food Pushers are KILLING people. Just liek the Drug Pushers are killing people, and, actually, MORE people than the Drugs Pushers are. Preventing needless deaths is NOT ridiculous.
    Professor: It works for Drug Abuse. Why is it silly?

    • ANSWER:
      Food policing, what a wonderful idea! As if people already don't have enough regulations and restrictions. Shall we appoint one family member to see to it that everyone eats their allotted amount and no more? Or should we spend money stationing a food cop in every home? What should be the punishment of the people that violate these new laws - no food for a week? hahahaha, lol

21. QUESTION:
    Would this be an effective way to combat Food Abuse?
    Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

    When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

    Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

    The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

    Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

    Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

    The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

    Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

    Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

    Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

    Obesity destroys lives.

    Obesity is a KILLER!
    anarosa: It's for your own good. It's for the children.

    • ANSWER:
      I assume this is sarcasm. If not, yikes! We need less government, not more. Now you want the government to dictate what people can eat and how much? The Founding Fathers must be doing back flips in their graves.

22. QUESTION:
    Would this be a good way to combat Food Abuse?
    Using government's already available information, take the number of people in a household and calculate the recommended number of calories they should consume in a week.

    When food items are purchased, they will be recorded (like cold medicine purchases currently are).

    Once your weekly limit is reached, you can not purchase anymore food.

    The possession of more food than your family needs would be grounds for immediate arrest.

    Of course, items purchased at restaurants would count toward your weekly calorie allowance.

    Given that almost four times as many people die from Food Abuse as from Drug Abuse, it is obvious that something needs to be done to protect citizens from their poor choices.

    The health care costs of obese people is a burden we all share (just like when people have a wreck on a motorcycle and aren't wearing a helmet, or in a car and aren't wearing a seat belt).

    Also, obese people suffer from narcolepsy (sudden irresistable drowsiness) brought about by sleep apnea (an abnormality of sleep exclusive to the obese), which causes daytime sleepiness and the inevitable automobile accidents that sleeping while driving causes.

    Can you think of other ways to protect people from themselves?

    Please talk to your children about the dangers of Food Abuse.

    Obesity destroys lives.

    Obesity is a KILLER!
    You people who oppose the idea, are sounding like the potheads who want to legalize marijuana. Are all of you FAT?
    TimeTraveler: I wasn't aware that communist countries had helmet laws and seat belt laws. Thanks for the info.

    • ANSWER:
      Very funny.....